FORMER DUBLIN CAPTAIN Stephen Hiney has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
The Ballyboden stalwart, who was a central figure in the capital’s hurling revival under Anthony Daly, called time on a 13-year senior career on Thursday.
Hiney’s crowning moment came when the Dubs beat Galway to win the Leinster title in 2013, ending a 52-year wait for provincial glory.
He said: “Although we never managed to make the big day in September, Dublin hurling has changed dramatically from when I first joined the team.
It would have been hard to imagine Dublin winning [a] Leinster championship and National League titles 13 years ago.
“The Leinster championship win was definitely the highlight of my career. I was also lucky enough to have captained the team for a number of seasons which was a huge honour for me.”
Hiney’s team-mates paid tribute to him on Thursday with Conal Keaney describing him as an “inspiration” and a “friend.”
“The man will be missed,” wrote Simon Lambert. “Great man in the dressing room & even bigger man on the pitch.”
Hiney was an “inspirational leader in the dressing room and warrior on the field,” Mossy O’Brien added.
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The latter years of Hiney’s career were dogged by injury including a devastating cruciate tear in 2011 which ruled him out for over a year and caused him to miss the final games of Dublin’s famous National Hurling League win — their first since 1939.
He continued: “I have experienced highs and lows during my playing career. I have endured some serious injuries along the way but thanks to the brilliant medical staff and backroom teams, I have been fortunate enough to be able to return to the playing field on each occasion.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and made it possible for me to play at this level for so long. Most importantly, I’d like to thank my wife Elaine and my family who have supported me from the very beginning. I’d also like to thank my club, Ballyboden, for their support and contribution to my development as a player.
Thanks also to all the Dublin hurling management and backroom teams throughout the years. I would like to give a special mention to Anthony Daly and his management team with whom we experienced our greatest success. Without Anthony’s passion and drive, I’m sure we would not have experienced the success we did.
“I have played with an amazing bunch of lads over the years, many of whom I regard as my closest friends. I have no doubt that with the talent in Dublin hurling at present they will have even more success over the coming years.
“I would like to wish Ger Cunningham, the management team and the current panel the very best of luck in the seasons ahead.”
– First published 10.51
